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Film Lover’s Guide to the 2008 Ft Lauderdale Int’l Film Festival

By Denise Castillón
Here are recommendations for festival-goers attending FLIFF’s Opening Weekend, October 18th & 19th, for must-see indie arthouse, foreign language and/or documentary films:
From FLIFF’s American Independent Program:
THE 27 CLUB USA/Running Time: 85 min

“THE 27 CLUB” invites its audience to a moving drama about friendship and surviving loss. Though measured flashbacks, accompanied by an awesome original acoustical and lyrical soundtrack, the backstory reveals the path of two childhood friend’s to rock star fame that ends tragically.
Elliot (JOE ANDERSON) is devastated after his best friend and band mate Tom (JAMES FORGEY) dies from a drug overdose. By his death at age 27, Tom becomes the latest member of “the 27 Club”, and joins fellow famous musicians, such as Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain.

Desperate to escape his fame, an over-wrought Elliot hires a driver to take him from Los Angeles to New York for Tom’s funeral. Elliot’s journey across America enables him to eventually reclaim his humanity and his music.
Starring Joe Anderson (“Across the Universe”, “Control”), and James Forgey, who perform both as actors and musicians, and are supported by the excellent acting talents of David Emrich as “Three Words” and Eve Hewson (Bono’s daughter) as the beautiful hitchhiker, “Stella”.
Also appearing as the fictional bands’ talent managers are Alexie Gilmore, who is receiving the 2008 FLIFF Star On The Horizon Award, and Kyle Luker (Gilmore’s real-life manager).

Written, produced and directed by Erica Dunton. Cinematography by Stephen Thompson. Edited by Les Butler.
The director’s father, celebrated cinematographer and camera technician Joe Dunton, designed new 35mm anamorphic lenses to created the film’s very unique composition and very specific color palette.

Music composed by Michael Tremante, who also scored several award-winning independent feature films, (including “Village Barbershop” starring John Ratzenberger, also screening at FLIFF). Original music written and performed by Joe Anderson and James Forgey, (lead singer of electro-acoustic band, “Sleep Control”) as the fictional band “FINN”.

Also appearing in the film and performing are the “Down by the Wayside” Choir and Peter Stampfel, (one half of The Holy Modal Rounders, of the infamous “Fly Like a Bird” track from “Easy Rider.”).

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Screens on Sunday, October 19th, 2:55PM at Cinema Paradiso

View the Trailer for THE 27 CLUB

From FLIFF’s World Cinema Program:
A DEAL IS A DEAL (AKA “Three and Out”)

United Kingdom/ Running Time: 95 min

A warm-hearted comedy full of generous belly laughs, starring Mackenzie Crook, (“City of Ember”, BBC’s TV series, “The Office”), and Colm Meaney, (“Kings”, “Layer Cake”), as an oddly coupled two-some, who embark on a road trip. A good ear for British and Irish slang will ensure that you won’t miss any of the hilarious dialogue between these bickering buddies.
By unfortunate circumstances beyond his control, London subway driver, Paul (MACKENZIE CROOK), has run over two subway riders within weeks of each other. A remorseful Paul is advised by co-workers that if one more rider met their death beneath his subway car their company would offer him a payoff called “three and out”. It’s a company benefit policy for drivers traumatized by three deaths by train to receive a lump sum severance equal to ten years of salary.

Such an unexpected windfall could make Paul (MACKENZIE CROOK) realize his dream of owning a cottage on an isolated Scottish island, where he can write his first novel. He now only needs to find a willing suicidal volunteer to jump in front of his subway car before the month ends. Enter Tommy (COLM MEANEY), who Paul offers his rent money for his cooperation. Paul proposes Tommy he could use the money to fulfill an unmeet dream or make amends with his estranged family of wife, Rosemarie (IMELDA STAUNTON) and now-grown daughter, (GEMMA ARTERTON). Together, they embark on a road trip full of hilarity and touching emotional reconnection.

Starring along with Mackenzie Crook and Colm Meaney, are Gemma Arterton (“Rocknrolla”, newest Bond Girl in “Quantum of Solace”), Imelda Staunton, (Oscar-nominated for “Vera Drake”).

Directed by Jonathon Gershfield, written by Steve Lewis and Tony Owen, cinematography by Richard Greatrex (“Shakespeare in Love”; “Run Fat Boy Run”), edited by Jon Gregory (“Four Weddings and a Funeral”) produced by Wayne Marc Godfrey and Ian Harries.

Screens on Sunday, October 19th, 6:45PM at Cinema Paradiso

Q & A session with Gordon Synn, associate producer, follows screening.

View the Trailer for A DEAL IS A DEAL aka "Three and Out"


From FLIFF’s Documentary Program:
SAVING FACE (Running Time: 81 min)

“Saving Face” is an engrossing documentary about an unremorseful criminals’ road to redemption. Matt Kern was an over-achieving high school student, with an attraction to trouble. Matt participated in a carjacking that ended in murder. His wealthy family dutifully turned him in to the law for punishment. Unfortunately, Matt flourished in prison by running a gambling and drug operation behind bars. Matt surprises himself, and his family, by finding God after spending 13 months in solidarity confinement. With his family now on his side, they rigorously work to have Matt’s sentence commutated and receive clemency.

Written, directed and edited by H. James Gilmore, cinematography by Gareth Paul Cox, produced by James. A. Kern, James W. Kern and Eleanor Kern Buff.

Screens on Saturday, October 18th, 7:40PM at Cinema Paradiso.

Q & A session with H. James Gilmore, Matt Kern and representatives of the judicial system follows screening.

View Trailer for SAVING FACE


www.FLIFF.com

Max Payne

Written By: Alyn Darnay

If you’re only looking for a fast-paced shootem-up, with some cool effects and a driving musical score, then this is the film for you. As with most films that start out as video games, Max Payne is for the adrenaline action junkie in all of us, a guilty pleasure even I sometimes suffer from.

Don’t look for any deep abiding story here, you won’t find it. It’s a simple tale of obsessive revenge that moves from one excess to the next utilizing every cliché in the book; the partner, the murdered family, the retired cop, the bad girl with a heart of gold, the evil villain, and even the corrupt corporation.

What Max Payne does have going for it is Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and Ludacris, all strong screen personalities who are fun to watch. What Max Payne has to offer is a beautifully executed visual style, state-of-the-art effects, and the non-stop action of the game. Unfortunately what Max Payne lacks is an interesting coherent story, but then again, a heavy story would slow down the action and when you want to experience a video game on a big screen, that’s a big no, no.

The movie is not for everyone, but for those of us who thrive on action it’s a quick, loud, easy, distraction. By the way, there’s a beautiful gun and bullet montage during the end credits that’s more than worth the viewing.

BOOK REVIEW

“The Script…A Breakthrough Guide To Scriptwriting”

Author: Alyn Darnay

By Al McGhee

At first I thought, why would I need a book about scriptwriting, as it should be easy to write a screenplay? Just get a computer program that helps you write a script and you are on your way. I was recently introduced to the book “The Script…A Breakthrough Guide To Scriptwriting,” by filmmaker and author Alyn Darnay; and I now know that there is more to writing a film than that.
Everyone has a script hiding inside of them waiting to be written, this book brings it out. His informal, easy to understand writing style combined with his passion for filmmaking generates the enthusiasm for putting down the story that you have always wanted to tell in the form of a workable script for a movie or even a play.
It has all the elements needed to write your script including; creating original characters with their traits and mannerisms, making your characters multi-dimensional and compatible, creating their emotional interests and more.
The book helps to break down your characters and give them believable traits. Most people want to sit down and write a story and say here it is, but they never give their characters a personality. Darnay covers this important area and makes it easy to understand.
The book goes into all the facets you need to write a good screenplay. But what if you have already written that script and are stuck or not quite sure you want to send it to a filmmaker. This book is a great way to make sure it is ready for the scrutiny of filmmakers. It even has a chapter on “Stuck,” that will give you some ways of clearing your head.
The book also covers how to register and copyright your script. And don’t forget to read the page about completion of your script.
You can purchase the book from Alyn himself at HYPERLINK "http://www.ScriptWritingBook.com" \t "_blank" www.ScriptWritingBook.com. The cost of the book is only $18.95 plus a small charge for shipping. The book is not available at this time at major bookstore chains or online book outlets. And when you make your request for “The Script,” ask him to autograph it for you.

TROUBLE THE WATER

Documentary

Directed By: Tea Lessin and Carl Deal

By John Delia


Trouble the Water is stark realization of Hurricane Katrina’s mighty blow on New Orleans. From a home video camera a whole new perspective of the devastation comes to life and it was very shocking. For those who like to see reality shows, this account should keep you on the edge of your seat.
Kimberly Roberts took her new camera and decided that she was going to stay in her home and film Hurricane Katrina as it came barreling down on her city of New Orleans. Little did she know that being within blocks of the levees her life would be put in mortal danger, not from just the wind, but the rising water. With the wind blowing and the water filling her streets, she went up to her attic with her husband. Scenes of the water getting higher and higher are very scary. With the lights off and her battery dieing on her camera and cell phone, Kimberly continues her terrifying story.
But the film does not just cover the initial hit of the hurricane, but the aftermath that most television crews were not able to cover. Getting down to the grass roots, Kimberley and her husband along with a new friend explore the area in which they live. Over several days we see her chats with the military and the local police, none of which were any help during their captivity from the storm.
Seeing the tragedy that took place in New Orleans unfold is a great way to get the real facts and not the sugar coating. I liked the way the documentary editors integrated the footage taken by Roberts with film from others, including television accounts. I also was pleased with finding out what happened to Roberts after she and her husband left the area to seek living quarters in another state and then back again. It sort of tied the whole story together.
If you can find the film in your area, go see it. Trouble the Water should have you talking about it to others long after the lights come back up in the theatre.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Trouble the Water is a great documentary that should be viewed by all. (4 of 5 stars)

W.

Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, Ellen Burstyn, James Cromwell, Richard Dreyfuss, Scott Glenn, Toby Jones, Stacy Keach, Bruce McGill, Thandie Newton and Jeffery Wright

Directed By: Oliver Stone

PG-13 for language including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images

By John Delia

Oliver Stone the filmmaker that brought you JFK, Nixon, The Day Regan was Shot and The Last Days of Kennedy and King, continues ‘docu-dramatizing’ famous political faces with W., a strange perspective on the current President of the United States. The main problem I had with the film is that it could have been a great satire, and it wasn’t. It is a conservative movie about a president that tells us no more than we already know. This ‘so what’ story turns out to be much like the results of the last four years of the 43rd President of the United States, not much for which to be thankful.
The biography follows George W. Bush from his wild life in college to his association with his professional baseball team, conflicts with his father, and the years leading up to his decision as President to go to war in Iraq. The film delves into his troubles and triumphs, how he met his wife, his association with Karl Rove, and how he got to be President. The only controversial thing that I could ferret out from the film is the hint that Bush wanted to bring down Saddam Hussein to show his father that he was not a wimp. Since Bush is still in office, the ending leaves you with no real ending.
Although the film is presented with a lot of factual material, researched by both screenplay/writer Stanley Weiser and director Stone, there are a lot of dramatizations that I found very amusing. At one point we find George on the toilet while taking to his wife in a hotel room. It made me wonder where they found that little tidbit and who would have brought that to light in the first place. Oh, and the conversation he had at a party where he met his wife, kind of cute, but with what meaning. In my opinion, if you are going to make a film about any President, it should be a documentary whereby we get reality and not dramatic prose.
As for the acting in the film, I think that Josh Brolin did a good job of portraying the President, but he was a little distracting at times. While his voice and swagger do resemble Bush, his facial expressions were over exaggerated at times. Those actors making doubles for the people surrounding Bush that were extremely good fits, include; Toby Jones as Karl Rove and Richard Dreyfus as Dick Chaney. While Thandie Newton did look a little like Condi Rice and Jeffery Wright looked somewhat like Colin Powell, neither could make the grade.
The directing in the film was lacking as compared to Stone’s previous biographies on famous people. Maybe if he would have waited some five or 10 years or so like he did with JFK or Nixon, that it would have been a more interesting film. For those who are obsessed with government figures, there’s a documentary coming out soon called Boogie Man which tells the story of political activist Lee Atwater the “truth spinner” who worked for Republican Presidents like Ronald Regan and George H.W. Bush. In the documentary, you will get some insight on George W. Bush that verifies some of the image created by Stone in W.
The film contains language including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images

FINAL ANALYSIS: W. is a ho-hum movie that may be somewhat interesting to curiosity seekers and history students. (2 out of 5 stars)

SEX DRIVE

Starring: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, James Marsden and Seth Green

Directed by: Sean Anders

R for strong crude and sexual content, nudity, language, and some drug and alcohol use--all involving teens

By John Delia

Sex Drive follows in a long list of teen centered films that have popped up over the past years, but I have to say that this one has a lot of unbelievable situations that make it a fun watch. What make this film good besides the outlandish script are the comedic acting of Duke, Marsden and Green that give strength to the simple storyline. If you liked films like Super Bad and Hot Rod, then Sex Drive is a must see.
While in a chat room on line, eighteen-year-old Ian makes contact with Ms. Tasty and gets a picture from the voluptuous young lady who he believes will help him lose his virginity. Although his brother tells him that Ms. Tasty is probably a scam artist (“It’s probably a guy,” he says), his best friend Lance convinces Ian to take a chance on meeting with her. The only thing in the way is his brother Rex's beloved 1969 GTO, which he needs to “borrow” as part of the plan to win over the gorgeous Internet woman. In the meantime another close friend Felicia, who Ian dreams of one day changing friendship to a hot love relationship, happens onto the plan and makes them take her along on the eight hour road trip from Chicago to Knoxville. Along the way they run into some very funny situations leading to his final meeting with Ms. Tasty.
Even though there are movies with similar stories like The Sure Thing and Road Trip, I found this one to have a funnier edge. The characters in Sex Drive are more in the vein of Super Bad, naïve, yet bursting to find the one thing that has eluded them, sex. Not just any sex, but with the right girl. The side story where Ian finds himself in a quandary over his female best friend that he really loves develops nicely inside the situation comedy.
Marsden as Rex (Enchanted) and Green as Ezekiel (Austin Powers: Goldmember) make this film hilarious. In order to get Ms. Tasty Ian has to borrow his brother’s hot GTO in which he told her he would pick her up. When Rex finds out that Ian has stolen his car, he spars with his garage door in a very comical karate fight. Seth Green ads to the fun playing Ezekiel an Amish farm hand that knows more about cars than you would expect from his carriage bound lifestyle. His off handed style of comedy provides some reoccurring belly laughs.
Sex Drive wouldn’t have been as funny if it weren’t for Duke who as Lance the devil-may-care friend makes the film work. I especially liked the scene where Ezekiel picks him up in his horse drawn buggy. The two are a scream with some extremely witty dialogue.
The film contains some strong crude and sexual content, nudity, language, and some drug and alcohol use--all involving teens so you may want to keep pre-teens from viewing this film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A very funny road movie that provides some great laughs. (4 of 5 stars)

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES

Starring: Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Bettany, Alicia Keys, Hilarie Burton and Nate Parker

Directed By: Gina Prince-Bythewood

PG-13 for thematic material and some violence

By John Delia

The Secret Life of Bees breaks out of the hive with a wonderful story, enjoyable characters and an amazing acting Tour de Force. The film grabs you from the very beginning and keeps your attention till the emotion filled ending. Although skewed somewhat toward female viewers, most males, especially drama lovers will feel the passion of the racial discrimination storyline.
The film opens in the early 1960’s during a period of American History where racial segregation in the South has hit a high mark. Young Lilly (Fanning) lives with her domineering father (Bettany) who can’t get rid of the haunting memory of his wife Deborah (Burton) being killed in a freak gun accident he blames on his daughter. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen (Hudson), her caregiver and only friend, to the South Carolina home of the Boatwrights, May (Okonedo), June (Keys) and August (Latifah). Here she finds the secret to her mother's past.
I was totally taken by this period piece involving the weakness of America during the time when African Americans were fighting for their rights. Although government legislation was put in place, most segregationists would not accept the law. The film touches on the bigotry and racial tension that was widespread in some southern states during that time.
The film has a remarkable cast in Latifah, Keys, Hudson, Okonedo and Fanning. Okonedo’s performance certainly deserves extra praise as May who’s harboring deep seeded memories of her dead sister. Her depiction of the sweet and kindly yet depressed woman brought a tear or two when she makes a decision that brings sorrow to their sisters’ lives. Keys shows her acting ability with the character June, an attractive young lady that shows her condescending side when August takes Lilly into their home. While Hudson gains more and more domination of the screen with her portrayal of the racially disparaged Rosaleen, Latifah continues her gentle side as the acting patriarch of the Boatwrights. I was pleasantly surprised with Fanning’s performance as the white abused child who has to come to terms with the spirit of her mother.
There is some very harsh brutality, brief language and depiction of death in the film, so take this into consideration when bringing youngsters to the film.

FINAL ALALYSIS: The Secret Life of Bees is a magnificent must see film for drama lovers. (5 of 5 stars)

RACHEL GETTING MARRIED

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Bill Irwin and Debra Winger

Directed by: Jonathan Demme

R for language and brief sexuality

By John Delia

Jonathan Demme takes a long look at a dysfunctional situation and slowly spools it out for all to see. That is my take on Rachel Getting Married, a movie with powerful acting that should garner attention for a major award. The film however, is solely a film buff’s delight and not for the mainstream moviegoer; unless you like your movies with a lot of family drama.
The movie centers on Kym (Hathaway), the sister of the bride to be Rachel (DeWitt), who by chance has been released from rehab where she has been incarcerated for drug abuse. Returning home Kym jumps into the frail, letting her sister know that she is there for her in spite of the problems she has had. The family is leery of Kym’s intentions and makes little attempt to make her fell wanted. In the meantime, although Kym has tried to nose in on the procedures, Rachel goes through all the motions of finishing plans including fitting the dresses as if Kym were not a problem. When Kym starts loosing her ability to cope, the family waits for the bomb to drop.
The acting in the film is some of the best I’ve seen in a drama this year. Hathaway’s performance is outstanding as the on the edge Kym, exuding a feeling of unease every time she gets brazen with someone or deliberately tries to take over a conversation. Her intensity is shown when she confronts her mother (Winger) about a tragedy that she could have avoided. From delightful to devilish, Hathaway’s performance is amazing and right on the money.
In support DeWitt, as Rachel, does a superb job of holding back while her sister tries to tear her most important day apart. When push comes to shove however, Rachel lets her sister know where she stands. The film would not have worked, however if it weren’t for the wonderful sets, the supporting cast and the great house for the wedding.
On the downside, some of the cinematography from the hand held home camera is to often and bothersome. In addition, the constant band music tended to make me wary and unsettled. Although Demme seemed to want us to see a complete wedding, he could have held back on the length of time it too to go through the pre wedding party. On a good note, however, the scene at the beauty parlor was brilliant.
The film contains language and brief sexuality. It is best seen with a group of friends, mainly female.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Rachel Getting Married should play well to females and film buffs. ( 2 ½ of 5 stars)